Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Toothaches hurt and disorient. They can leave you feeling helpless when you don't know what’s causing them.

Toothaches are pains in or around your teeth. Typically, a result of nerves or the tissue surrounding them being agitated. A toothache can vary quite a lot pain-wise; some are mild, persistent pains, while others are agonizing and sharp. Toothaches are usually the result of an underlying issue related to your oral health. Trying to ignore a toothache for too long is a bad idea; problematic teeth and their effects might allow a more serious condition to develop or worsen. In this blog, we will give you a good understanding of what causes toothaches, their symptoms, and some remedies for them.

Symptoms of a Toothache

There are many different kinds of toothaches. Their symptoms vary based on the root cause of the pain. Here is a list of a few of these symptoms:

• Sensitivity from consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
• Constant or throbbing pains inside or surrounding your tooth.
• Gums swelling around a hurting tooth
• Having pain when chewing or biting down
• Fevers, headaches, chills, and foul-tasting discharge in the worst cases.

Common Causes of a Toothache

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing tooth pain. Some are mild and easy to treat, while others are very serious and require a dentist. Here are some of the most common causes of a toothache:

• Cavities: Tooth decay that happens because of bacteria that have eroded your enamel and exposed the dentin or pulp. This can be slightly or extremely painful depending on the level of decay.
• Gum diseases and Infections: Inflamed and infected gums can be very painful if not treated properly. A gum disease like periodontitis can cause terrible pain to a tooth because it spreads to the supporting bone and tissue.
• Tooth Abscess: Tooth abscesses are made of pus that is caused by an infection of some sort. These can cause extremely bad pain and swelling.
• Dental Injuries and Trauma: Teeth that are cracked or chipped can be painful. Fractured teeth can cause severe pain, too.
• Teeth erupting: Wisdom teeth coming out can be painful if misaligned or infected. Children can experience some pain too when their new teeth start emerging.
• Bruxism: Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw compulsively is called bruxism. This condition can lead to many complications, including toothaches.
• Braces: Adjusting to braces can cause toothaches, especially when they are first attached. Knowing how to deal with braces pain is helpful when first starting treatment.
• Misaligned Teeth: Having misaligned teeth can cause toothaches, gum pain, and headaches. Clear aligners are a convenient and affordable treatment for this. If you are experiencing misalignment-related issues, you should be proactive and get clear aligners as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

As you can see here, there is almost always a root cause behind toothaches. Knowing what your symptoms are and being able to quickly figure out the reason your tooth is aching is the first step to relief.

Home Remedies For Temporary Relief

For milder cases of toothaches, there are some helpful remedies that you can use from the comfort of your own home. They include:

• Salt water rinses: Salt is a great natural disinfectant. Mixing some of it with warm water and rinsing your mouth with it can help with inflammation and clear out bacteria. Try and do this regularly in combination with professional care for the best results.
• Cold Compress: An ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in some sort of cloth is useful for treating toothaches. Applying the ice pack to the painful area can tighten blood vessels, which can numb the pain.
• Over-the-counter painkillers: For mild tooth pain, Acetaminophen can be helpful. If you’re experiencing inflammation or swelling, Ibuprofen is the way to go. For severe pain, a dose of Tramadol might help soothe it.
• Rinsing With Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide: Make a mixture of three percent hydrogen peroxide and an equal amount of water, and rinse your mouth with it for thirty to sixty seconds. This will kill bacteria and sanitize infected spots. Take care not to swallow any, as hydrogen peroxide is not meant to be ingested.
• Clove Oil: Clove oil is a good natural remedy for toothaches. It has useful anti-bacterial qualities because of the chemical it contains called eugenol. It will help numb pain and kill bacteria. Use a diluted mixture of clove oil and water and rinse for thirty to sixty seconds to soothe tooth pain.
• Garlic Paste: Garlic is another great natural remedy. Crushing some and mixing it with some salt, then applying it to the areas that hurt can disinfect them and give you relief.

When to See a Dentist

In some cases, home remedies just won't cut it. There are some signals that you should go to the dentist as soon as possible. If you experience severe or constant pain for over a day or two, it may mean that your toothache needs urgent professional care. Swelling in the jaw or face is a clear sign that you should go to a dentist. A high fever or feeling generally unwell while experiencing tooth pain may mean you have an infection that needs proper medical attention. If there is any pus, a persistent bad taste, or swelling that spreads, it’s time for the dentist. Lastly, a broken or fractured tooth should be treated by a dentist to minimize the damage and prevent further complications.

Professional Dental Treatments

The dentist's office can provide you with many treatment options for toothaches. They can give you fillings or crown fixtures to repair damaged teeth. A root canal can get rid of infected pulp and save a decaying tooth. A dentist can also extract a problematic tooth that is badly damaged or infected. Antibiotics prescribed by a dental professional

can treat abscesses by fighting off the infection that causes them. Gum treatment can also be provided for tooth pain related to gum disease.

Prevention of Toothaches

There are habits that you can pick up to help prevent toothaches from happening in the first place. They are also good for general oral hygiene. Here is a list of a couple of helpful ones that will protect your teeth in the long run:

• Brushing and flossing daily: Daily brushing and flossing will remove plaque and keep your teeth clean.
• Limiting Sugary and Acidic Foods: Staying away from sugary and acidic foods will help stop tooth decay and will also protect your enamel.
• Using Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash: Regularly using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash will make your enamel stronger and reduce sensitivity.
• Scheduling Regular Cleanings and Checkups: Make sure that you keep up with dentist appointments and checkups. This will help keep your oral health in good shape and catch issues before they become serious.
• Wearing a Night Mouthguard if You Grind Your Teeth: Wearing a night mouthguard can prevent bad tooth pain if you have bruxism. It will reduce the impact of grinding and clenching.

These habits will make a big difference in your oral health and help ensure that you do not experience toothaches. It is important to take preventive action before you develop severe health issues, including tooth pain.

Conclusion

A toothache can be a sign of mild sensitivity or a much more serious issue. Home remedies can be useful as a quick fix, but they are not a replacement for proper dental care. You must visit a dentist for severe and persistent tooth pain. It is also good practice to take proper care of your mouth by maintaining good habits and doing your best to stop toothaches before they happen. Oral care is very important to your overall health and should never be neglected, and it is the key to avoiding toothaches.